What are primary sexual characteristics?

Primary sexual characteristics refer to the physical structures involved in reproduction that are directly associated with an individual’s reproductive system. This includes the organs such as the ovaries, testes, uterus, and other parts of the reproductive system that are present at birth and develop further at puberty. These characteristics are fundamental in defining male and female biological functions, making them essential to the biological understanding of gender.

While the other options touch on aspects of human development and sexuality, they do not accurately define primary sexual characteristics. For instance, signs of sexual maturity in other parts of the body might refer to secondary sexual characteristics, which develop during puberty. Physical features associated with gender roles concern societal expectations and behaviors, which differ from biological characteristics. Emotional developments related to intimacy deal with psychological and relational aspects, rather than the biological functions that primary sexual characteristics embody. Thus, focusing on reproductive organs reflects the correct understanding of primary sexual characteristics.